BENGALURU: Seventeen-year-old Poornima Sundar’s death on Monday has brought into sharp focus accidents involving BMTC buses. Public perception is that the drivers drive rashly.
Though the BMTC claims that the number of fatalities caused by its buses has come down in the last few years, every month about four people are killed in accidents involving the BMTC buses.
Shanta B S, a resident of Kammanahalli who drives a two-wheeler to reach her office on Infantry Road said, “BMTC bus drivers are rude and drive rashly. When confronted, the crew members act as if they own the road.”
However, a BMTC official refuted the claim and said that whenever there is an accident the sentiment is against the bus drivers. But according to accident statistics, most number of people losing their lives in accidents are two-wheeler riders or pedestrians, the official said.
Despite all the efforts initiated by BMTC, fatalities involving their bus fleet is a serious concern. According to the latest data provided by BMTC, the number of accidents has come down from 427 in 2012 to 225 in 2015. But the number of fatal accidents has remained around 50 for the past three years, as per the statistics.
‘Crossing carriageway is dangerous’
Ek Roop Cour, Managing Director, BMTC, said, “It is an unfortunate incident and the case is with the Upparpet police station. If the driver and conductor are found at fault, the corporation will take strict action.”
“The accident happened on the carriageway while the girl was crossing the road. There are separate skywalks for pedestrians but they use the carriageway as a short cut. This is dangerous as buses pass on the carriageway to enter the Kempegowda Bus Stand,” she said.
BMTC Must Act, Traffic Expert
Prof M N Srihari, traffic expert and an adviser to the State government on traffic issues, said, “The BMTC cannot wash it hands of this unfortunate incident where a young college going girl lost her life. The problem with the authorities is that they are shaken out of their slumber only when something unfortunate happens.”
He added, “The need of the hour is to initiate more pre-emptive measures. The BMTC should bring in strict enforcement in place and make the pedestrians use the skywalks.